Chimney Rock reopens after boulder removed

Special to the Times-News

Published: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 6:53 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 6:53 a.m.

CHIMNEY ROCK — Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park reopened to the public this weekend after being closed temporarily for road work. The N.C. Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.

“The safety of our guests and park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away, we’re happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the park’s spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, general manager of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. “Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and Silverbell trees are spectacular.”

Crews from DOT, which maintains roads within N.C. state parks, worked to break off a 4- to 5-ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road halfway between the Meadows and the top parking lot. They used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.

Special events will be held as planned. The third annual Buzz on Bees will offer educational activities about honeybees Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about the park, the latest report on what’s blooming and more upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark. com or call 800-277-9611. Chimney Rock is 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock.

<p>CHIMNEY ROCK — Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park reopened to the public this weekend after being closed temporarily for road work. The N.C. Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.</p><p>“The safety of our guests and park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away, we're happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the park's spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, general manager of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. “Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and Silverbell trees are spectacular.”</p><p>Crews from DOT, which maintains roads within N.C. state parks, worked to break off a 4- to 5-ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road halfway between the Meadows and the top parking lot. They used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.</p><p>Special events will be held as planned. The third annual Buzz on Bees will offer educational activities about honeybees Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.</p><p>For more information about the park, the latest report on what's blooming and more upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark. com or call 800-277-9611. Chimney Rock is 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock.</p>